Research Councils UK (RCUK) will today (4 June 2013) launch a new timeline that showcases the exciting research into DNA that has taken place over the last six decades.
Sixty years of DNA 
demonstrates the variety of approaches the Research Councils take to support innovation and deliver long-term impact from research. It highlights the ground-breaking discoveries and developments, such as DNA sequencing and fingerprinting techniques, which have taken place as a result of Research Council investments.
The impact of research is realised through the combination of several investments over time. The Research Councils seek to ensure that the outputs and outcomes of their funded research have significant long-term benefits for the economy and society. This timeline, one of a series, highlights how investments made in research over the long-term combine to create a significant impact in particular areas. In addition, research in one area can combine with that from another to drive innovation and provide a key contribution to UK growth.
For example, Sir Edwin Southern’s Southern Blotting technique has culminated in the invention of today’s DNA chip, or microarray, technology, which has a wide-range of uses, from forensic analysis to drug discovery, the diagnosis of disease and farming techniques. The worldwide DNA chip market was estimated to be $1bn in 2007.
The timeline is being launched at the Parliamentary Office for Science and Technology (POST) event, The Science of Health and Wellbeing, at the House of Commons this afternoon. The event is being held in collaboration with RCUK, with interactive exhibits from all seven UK Research Councils on the research disciplines relevant to health and wellbeing. Experts will be on-hand to discuss their latest research with parliamentarians, and guests will have the opportunity to learn more about the science involved from leading researchers.
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Further information
Contact:
Katie Clark
Press and Communications Manager
Tel: 01793 444592 or email: Katie Clark
Notes to editors
All RCUK timelines are available at: http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/Publications/reports/Pages/Timelines.aspx
Further information about the POST event is available at : www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/offices/bicameral/post/post-events/the-science-of-health-and-wellbeing/
Research Councils UK (RCUK) is the strategic partnership of the UK's seven Research Councils who annually invest around £3 billion in research. We support excellent research, as judged by peer review, that has an impact on the growth, prosperity and wellbeing of the UK. To maintain the UK’s global research position we offer a diverse range of funding opportunities, foster international collaborations and provide access to the best facilities and infrastructure around the world. We also support the training and career development of researchers and work with them to inspire young people and engage the wider public with research. To maximise the impact of research on economic growth and societal wellbeing we work in partnership with other research funders including the Technology Strategy Board, the UK Higher Education funding bodies, business, government, and charitable organisations. www.rcuk.ac.uk.
The seven UK Research Councils are:
- Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC);
- Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC);
- Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC);
- Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC);
- Medical Research Council (MRC);
- Natural Environment Research Council (NERC);
- Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC).